OGT simplifies detection of important cancer gene variants

Oxford, UK – 27 September 2016. OGT, The Molecular Genetics Company, has launched its SureSeq myPanel™ NGS Custom Cancer Panels to provide scientists with completely customised, pre-optimised next generation sequencing (NGS) probe panels relevant to their research. The comprehensive library of gene content covers key cancer types including, myeloid, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), ovarian and breast. Utilising hybridisation-based capture, the panels deliver unparalleled coverage completeness and uniformity, and are regularly updated for maximum relevance to current research. The panels provide uniform coverage through all target regions including intronic and splice sites and reduce the need for fill-in Sanger sequencing.

The pace of cancer and clinical genetics research means that fixed content NGS panels are unable to truly reflect the latest knowledge on genes and variants of interest. This limitation can lead to significant wastage from the purchase of fixed probe panels in terms of cost, but also coverage of unwanted genes. In addition, amplicon-based panels often require further Sanger sequencing to fill in gaps in the data.

Providing a much simpler and cost-effective solution, the hybridisation-based SureSeq myPanel NGS Custom Cancer Panels are able to deliver complete and uniform coverage of genes of interest, including those with high GC content. Researchers can select probes only for the regions specific to their interest, and rest assured of data integrity. The smaller, highly customised and pre-optimised panels also enable higher throughput and require minimal time for validation. As new probes are added by OGT following consultation with experts, these panels can be replaced or added to at a much lower cost compared to fixed panels, ensuring the next step in research is unhindered.

Anna Skowronska, Research and Development Scientist at West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory who has been trialling a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) panel, commented “We were delighted with the performance of the SureSeq panel. It showed complete concordance with our other techniques, detecting all known mutations with excellent sensitivity down to 1%*, including, in one case, a JAK2 V617F mutation which was not detected by ddPCR due to a second mutation under the primer. The panel also demonstrated mutations in other genes in samples with low level JAK2 V617F and good correlation between allele frequencies and quantitative analysis by ddPCR. We are planning to adopt the panel in the near future.”

David Cook, Senior Product Manager at OGT explained, “NGS is a powerful technology, but we saw that the range of panels on the market made it difficult for researchers to progress their work easily as new discoveries were made. Our SureSeq myPanel NGS Custom Cancer Panels enable researchers to simply pick and choose probes to match their specific requirements, and update the panel with new content, as needed. Our commitment to ongoing R&D means content will regularly be updated, and should specific areas of interest not yet be available, our customers can request this to be developed and receive a completely customised panel with pre-optimised probes in a matter of weeks.”

Dr Eli Williams, Associate Director of Genomics and Cytogenomics at the University of Virginia will present his experiences of utilising a custom SureSeq acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) panel at the Association of Molecular Pathology (AMP) meeting, 10–12 November.

* 1% MAF (minor allele frequency)

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists - including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers - not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.